At some point in our lives we will have to face uncomfortable conversations—whether you are speaking with a parent, a child, a romantic partner, or a friend. These nerve-wracking talks can have a major impact on your life, and some experts say that a well-thought-out approach can make all the difference in how you handle the emotions around these situations.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Jen Hartstein of Hartstein Psychological Services joins NBC News to give advice on how to take the first step in starting a difficult discussion. In this interview, she gives different scenarios and discusses how you can address uncomfortable conversations without going off the rails.

Watch the full interview to learn more; also read “DBT Skills to Make Difficult Conversations Easier.”